In August 2025, the Environment International journal published a study investigating how air pollution from port craft and railway locomotives affects respiratory health in California’s vulnerable communities. Using digital inhaler sensors and advanced dispersion modeling, researchers found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was linked to a 3.42% rise in daily rescue inhaler use. In highly disadvantaged neighborhoods, daily rescue inhaler use was 3.8 times greater than in less disadvantaged areas. These findings reveal significant disparities in pollution-related health risks, highlighting the need for cleaner technologies, stricter emission controls, and targeted policies to protect vulnerable populations.
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